Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Stay Present

As tough as 2008 was for all of us. Especially for those of us in the moviemaking business. I remain forever hopeful for 2009. If anything, I am even more determined to make sure my business succeeds. Not just for my immediate family. But for everyone involved with Marlo Productions. I feel a greater sense of obligation to continue to create work for those of us in the entertainment industry because of how crazy the ecomony is and how the movie business has been affected.

It is my belief that even during very difficult times that we should allow the creative juices to flow. We shouldn't turn off the camera nor should we stop jotting down our ideas. I refuse to turn off the camera in my head. I love watching people and being fully present in life. Every moment is more material for me as far as I'm concerned. Life is rich with material and can be so entertaining. We just have to be involved in it and stay present with each other in each moment.

So as we enter into a new year, a new beginning, let's keep that camera rolling. Roll sound. Roll camera. Action!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

This World Is Conspiring For Our Success

Have you ever met someone that no matter what you say to them, they just seem so negative? They complain about how life is just so unfair and it is either something or someone else's fault. It can't possibly be them or their attitude about life. And no matter what you say to be uplifting or encouraging, they refuse to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I seem to attract this type of person. Oh, they will laugh at one's self-deprecating jokes, and that is usually a cue to bolt (and fast too). Yes, this type of person loves to bask in their misery and in others shortcomings.

Recently, I mentioned to someone (just like this) who was having a so called 'bad day' that in spite of how bleak things may be for them, that I truly believe that the world is conspiring for our success. Their immediate response, "Well, I don't believe that!" I have to go on record that this 'someone' is a person that I have to deal with on a professional and personal basis nearly every day.

I truly believe that no matter what life may throw our way good or bad, these challenges are an opportunity for us to find out what we are really made of. Will we cave under pressure? Will we step up to the plate? Will we actually try something different? The old way isn't working, so let's do something that is not ordinary. Or will we bury our head in the sand and feel sorry for ourselves.

That is not to say that there are not some extreme hardships in life like losing a job, falling behind on your mortagage and on the brink of being homeless, a business going under, or losing a loved one. All of which require tremendous strength. All worthy of great compassion and each exceedingly difficult to deal with.

Everyone has pressure in their life and each of us deals with their's differently. But, we do have a choice about how we go about doing so.

Case in point: My husband and I have had a slow period in our movie-making business. Because of the possible actor's strike, our production has been delayed until next year. This should have been one of our most productive years in the industry. No one could have foreseen how the writer's strike followed by the SAG hold-out would have affected our business. But it did and it hit us hard. Earnest and I had to shift gears. One could say that we our down-on-our-luck.

So, to change things up, we started frequenting a coffee shop in the Burbank area to get out of the office and strategize about our business and how to keep things moving forward in spite of the delays.

The coffee morning meeting ritual has been going on for a while and we now know the early morning clientele of this establishment. Recently we met another Producer/Director who we have seen in the coffee shop and have on occassion said hello to in passing. We watched this individual from a distance and it was immediately made clear to us that he too is in the 'business' (the film industry). After chatting with this individual, it turns out he is in need of much help on a television production that starts up in two weeks. He has asked us to come on board and help him with his project.

Luck?

I'm not one to put much emphasis on luck. I don't believe in good or bad luck. There is just life and my hope is that we all live it fully. My husband and I could have chosen to stay in the office and feel sorry for ourselves and the whole "Woe is me," bit, and try to blame somebody but that is not who we are.

Like I mentioned earlier. I not only attract the 'negative folks', I attract the highly energetic types too. But, we do have to keep our eyes open and make ourselves available to the opportunities that are being presented.

The real question is are we paying attention or are we so self-absorbed in our own problems?

So, here is my challenge to all. Stop. Take a deep breath. Are you dealing with something really heavy? Does the the burden seem overwhelming? Good. You're probably right on track.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Mi Familia


The Harris Family Wishes You A Very Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Signs of Old Age

Today it finally happened. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I cannot deny it any longer. I am getting old and losing it. That fact was made very clear to me in the most humiliating way.

I was sitting in the waiting area at a Toyota dealership in a room with about fifteen people all waiting for their cars to be serviced as well. I just happened to look down at my feet and noticed that the black shoes I thought I had on were not black at all but NAVY!

And then right there in front of everyone and for no apparent reason, I let out the biggest, "HA!" and started laughing hysterically. Everyone in the room looked at me as though I had just lost my mind.

After my little moment, I immediately looked to see what else I was wearing and noticed that I had on a black top, khaki pants and a grey sweater! Nothing I had on matched. Imagine my surprise. And those darn navy shoes! I decided to 'try' to hide the top by zipping up my sweater and then it occurred to me, "Oh no, how am I going to hide the fact that my black purse will not match with my navy shoes!"

Well needless to say, I was relieved when I was buzzed by the service department that my car was ready. I scooted out of that place and couldn't wait to get the you-know-what out of there!

When I got home, I told my husband what had happened and his response floored me. "I thought you knew the shoes were navy when you bought them." I was blown away. I bought the shoes a couple of months ago and really believed they were black. I would never have purchased navy shoes. Everything I wear is black to make me look slimmer. (Yes, I am that shallow!)

A little history about the shoes. I had seen them several times at the mall and kept eye-balling them until they were finally marked down to a price that suited me. I actually spotted them months ago and refused to pay full price for them. So, I really thought I was getting a great deal on those cute little black heeled sandals that would go great with my little black dress.

In fact, the day I bought them, I was so excited, that I ran to my closet as soon as I got home, slipped into my little black dress, touched up my lipstick and ran into the living room to model the whole outfit for my husband. I went on and on about how cute the shoes were and how much I loved them.

As I played the event over in my mind today, I just had to ask my husband (in my best trying-to-not-sound-mad voice), "Why didn't you tell me the shoes were not black?" His calm and honest response, "You were so happy...besides, I figured you knew they were navy and were bucking to get a navy outfit or handbag as well...you've done that before Dianna!"

I was appalled! And hurt. And to make matters worse, my husband had the audacity to imitate the way I modeled the shoes the day I bought them. It was too much for me to take. He was hilarious. We both fell out laughing.

So, I have been duly shamed and do hereby admit, it's time for me to slow down a bit. I'm getting old and can no longer deny the signs of aging, whatever color they come in!